“We don’t make them retest unless they’ve missed a complete renewal cycle, which is five years,” Davis said.

But there are other consequences.

“We really rely on police to ticket people for expired licenses,” Davis said.

Bars aren’t supposed to admit people who present an expired license as their only form of identification, which can create an additional hassle.

If a driver is caught driving with an expired license and given a traffic infraction, the fine is $250, but can be reduced to a $50 fine, noted in Revised Code of Washington section 46.20.015.

Davis said the Department of Licensing does not do random tests, but license service representatives – the always-cheery people who renew a license after you wait in line – reserve the right to retest people when they come to get a renewal. Vision impairments or medical issues can be a factor.

Thanks to the people who submitted questions. Previous answers are linked below.